Decoupling Release from Degradation: Visible-Light Uncaging in BODIPY-Integrated Hydrogels

We introduce butenylated tetramethyl BODIPY (BTM-BODIPY) as a dual-function photocatalyst and monomer for photoresponsive hydrogels, enabling visible-light-triggered cargo release via meso C–O ester cleavage without compromising network integrity. Solid-state UV and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed BTM-BODIPY incorporation, while quantum yield studies showed full acetic acid release within 2 h under green light. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed tunable stiffness, with storage modulus increasing from 0.33 MPa (0.088 wt %) to 0.72 MPa (0.44 wt %). This system offers controlled, nondestructive release, surpassing degradable hydrogel designs and advancing applications in precision drug delivery, tissue engineering, and smart biomedical materials.